who doesn’t like sweets?

Posted on Posted in book reviews/events

sweet shawlettes is a new book by veteran knitwear designer jean moss, published by taunton press. many long-time knitters may be familiar with ms. moss’s beautifully tailored jackets and classic sweaters, designed with thoughtful attention to detail.

this book is a bit of a departure from those chapters of her work, the focus here being on smaller accessory pieces to add and subtract from daily outfits, possibly extending the use of a few good sweaters. while a few of the pieces bear the earmarks of her signature tailoring, many more are much simpler, both in design and execution.

the book actually includes a variety of accessory types, including a number of cowls, scarves, ponchos, stoles, and collars.

while maybe not what comes to mind for many of us when we hear the word “shawlette”, some of these pieces are nevertheless quite clever—small and quick to knit, they are great for stash busting, gifting, and travel knitting.

this cowl for instance looks to be a very simple striped piece, but when viewed in full profile, one can see that a shadow knit pattern has been incorporated.

the projects range in difficulty from simple, one-stitch concoctions that show off a special yarn really well

to some that are much more fiddly, but worthwhile for their effective results.

many of these designs will work very well for those who live in temperate climates or who like to continue wearing knits through the summer

it’s easy to see from the book’s styling how the pieces will look with lightweight fabrics and clothing.

there are a few heavier pieces however and those are among my favorites

though i can’t see myself wearing it, i am loving the fabric and color choices for this little shoulder poncho— i want something made from that plaid.

click here for a complete view of all the projects included in the book and click here to see a complete schedule of stops on this blog tour.

the nice folks at taunton press have offered one copy of sweet shawlettes as a giveaway for us. if you would like to win it, please leave a comment at the end of this post by 9pm EST on sunday, 22 january, 2012. we will announce the winner in the blog post following that date.

199 thoughts on “who doesn’t like sweets?

  1. Thanks so much for reviewing this book. It is indeed an interesting departure for Jean Moss and I see several wearable/giftable projects.

    Also love that plaid but not particularly that shape. Can’t wait to see what you would do with a plaid.

  2. What a sweet offer, Anne, and such beautiful designs! I would be delighted to win a copy.

  3. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely book. Hope you are having a great vacation!

  4. Such fun and wonderful out-of-the-box creations. Would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks, Anne, for offering the chance to win it!

  5. Would love to have the shawl book – shawls may be my favorite kind of project. I would love to do the plaid one…. Thanks!

  6. Wow! They are such gorgeous, challenging, and unique knits! Thanks Taunton and Anne for the chance to win!

  7. Beautiful images…I’d love the chance to win. Thank you for making this give away possible.

  8. What a beautiful collection of projects. I can’t decide my favourite. Love that plaid, the purple cowl would make my daughter really happy and i love the idea of a shawlette made out of smaller squares.

    Pick me please.

    I love reading your blog and the nice little bonus of a giveaway makes it all that much more fun.

  9. Ooo, I would love to win it! The tough part will be deciding which one to make first. It might bring on a terminal case of startitis…

  10. It is fascinating to me that with each stop on the blog tour I learn something different about the book and Jean. One of the projects that I thought would not be my cup of tea now is when brought to light by your post Anne. So thanks!

  11. I would love to win. Since we rv full time and we try to stay where it is warmer this is the perfect solution for my knitting adventures.

  12. I need to make a shawlette or cowl for my 96 year old aunt. Would love to have the book!

  13. Terrific peek at a wonderful book. I’d love to have a copy! Thanks so much for the chance to win it.

  14. Interesting patterns. They are very unique. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

  15. Oh, I would LOVE a copy of this book – there are so many patterns I want to make!
    Thanks for the chance to win it!

  16. Thanks for the review! I love the collar “Frost”, I never felt inspired to learn the braided stitch technique before now. Into the queue! I can’t wait to tell my B(knitting)FF about this book.
    P.S. Love the pics in the last post!

  17. What a great variety of styles. Wouldn’t mind trying some of these to accent my wardrobe. This book would be a wonderful addition to my library.

  18. they are a great way to try out new yarns and new techniques too – I’ve become a firm fan of shawls and shawlettes lately.
    Happy knitting. Sue x

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